Data processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A data processing apparatus includes a main body, a cover unit having a display such as an LCD, and a detecting mechanism for detecting the opening and closing of the cover unit in relation to the main body. The detecting mechanism includes a cam mounted coaxially to and rotating together with a pivot shaft that can rotate together with the cover unit, and a detecting switch mounted to the main body and directly or indirectly actuated by the action of the cam as the cover unit opens and closes to detect the opening and closing of the cover unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus andparticularly to a data processing apparatus equipped with a detectingmechanism for detecting the opening and closing over a main body of acover that has a display such as an LCD.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Among a variety of data processing apparatuses including personalcomputers that have been improved in versatility is a portable dataprocessing apparatus known as a lap-top computer arranged generallyreduced in size and thickness for portable use.

Such a portable data processing apparatus comprises a main bodyincluding a CPU, a set of circuit boards, a keyboard and a cover unithinged to the main body and having a liquid crystal display or any otherdisplay.

As its cover unit is closed to overlap mate flush with) the main body,the data processing apparatus is highly portable. When the apparatus isin use, its cover unit is opened to such a position over the main bodythat the liquid crystal display can be viewed viewed.

In the portable mode (where the cover unit is closed over the mainbody), the power supply to the liquid crystal display is automaticallydisconnected for energy saving of the battery and improvement of theoperability. When the cover unit is opened, the liquid crystal displaycan automatically be energized. For the above mentioned power on-offpurposes, the data processing apparatus includes a detecting mechanismfor detecting the opening and closing of the cover unit.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a conventional data processing apparatus 1. Thedata processing apparatus 1 is of a known lap-top type consisting mainlyof a main body 2 and a cover unit 3.

The main body 2 includes a cursor operator, a keyboard, a set of circuitboards (on which a CPU and other controllers are mounted), interfaces,and power sources. The cover unit 3 includes a liquid crystal display 8.

As explained previously, the portable data processing apparatus 1 hasthe cover unit 3 hinged to the main body 3 so that they are foldedclosed in the portable mode. When the data processing apparatus 1 is inuse, its cover unit 3 is opened to such a position over the main body 2that the liquid crystal display 8 can be viewed favorably.

The data processing apparatus 1 also includes a detecting mechanism 9for energy saving of the battery and improvement of the operability.This allows the liquid crystal display 8 to be automaticallyde-energized when the cover unit 3 is closed directly over the main body2.

Commonly, the detecting mechanism 9 comprises an actuator 13 mounted onthe cover unit 3 and a detecting switch 10 mounted on the main body 2.As shown in FIG. 1, the actuator 13 extends from the inner wall 3 a ofthe cover unit 3, or more precisely the lowermost part adjacent to thecenter of turning movement of the inner wall 3 a. The detecting switch10 is located with its switching knob 11 in an opening 12 which isprovided in a cover member 7 of the main body 2.

When the cover unit 3 is closed, its actuator 13 moves into the opening12 and presses against the switching knob 11. As a result, the detectingswitch 10 is shifted from one of ON and OFF states to the other. Uponreceiving an ON or OFF signal from the detecting switch 10, thedetecting mechanism 9 detects the opening or closing of the cover unit3. Accordingly, when the cover unit 3 is opened, the liquid crystaldisplay 8 can automatically be energized. When the cover unit 3 isclosed, the liquid crystal display 8 can automatically be de-energized.

It is however essential for the detecting mechanism 9 in theconventional data processing apparatus 1 to have the opening 12 providedin the cover member 7 of the base unit 2 so that the detecting switch 10can be manipulated by the actuator 13 through the opening 12.

The opening 12 may allow dust or dirt to enter the main body 2 andaccumulate directly on the electronic components or moving parts thusinterrupting the proper action of the electronic components or movingparts. Also, as the actuator 13 is located close to the liquid crystaldisplay 8 which is continuously viewed by the user, it may spoil theappearance of the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in view of the foregoingaspects and its object is to provide a data processing apparatus thatinhibits any dust or dirt from entering the data processing apparatuswhile improving its external appearance.

For eliminating the described disadvantages, the present inventionoffers novel means which are described below.

As defined in claim 1 of the present invention, a data processingapparatus is provided comprising:

-   -   a main body on which a device for data processing is mounted;    -   a cover unit hinged to the main body for pivotal movement for        opening and closing in relation to the main body; and    -   a detecting mechanism for detecting the opening and closing of        the cover unit, wherein    -   the detecting mechanism includes a cam mounted coaxially to a        pivot shaft that can rotate together with the cover unit thus to        turn the cam, and a detecting switch mounted to the main body        and arranged that can directly or indirectly be actuated by the        action of the cam as the cover unit is opened and closed thus        detecting the opening and closing of the cover unit.

This allows the opening and closing of the cover unit to be detected bythe detecting switch directly or indirectly actuated with the cam whichis driven as the cover unit is opened and closed. The cam for actuatingthe detecting switch is coaxially mounted to the pivot shaft about whichthe cover unit is rotated in relation to the main body and can thus beturned together with the pivot shaft.

Since the detecting switch is actuated by the action of the cam at oneend of the pivot shaft, there is no need to provide an opening in themain body nor actuating portion on the inner wall of the cover unit. Asa result, the apparatus can inhibit any dust or dirt from entering thedata processing apparatus as well as improving its appearance.

As defined in claim 2 of the present invention, the data processingapparatus according to claim 1 may be modified in that a lever isprovided between the cam and the detecting switch for transmitting adisplacement of the cam to the detecting switch.

Since the lever located between the cam and the detecting switch isarranged to transmit the displacement of the cam to the detectingswitch, its design (size, shape, location) can have a degree of freedom.

As defined in claim 3 of the present invention, the data processingapparatus according to claim 1 may be modified in that a cover member isprovided in the main body for covering the detecting mechanism as wellas internal components of the main body.

Since the detecting mechanism is protected with the cover member, whichextends over the internal components in the main body, the number of thecomponents and thus the overall cost of production can be significantlydecreased as compared with a conventional arrangement using a separatecovering member for protecting the detecting mechanism. Also, as thedetecting mechanism is fully protected, it can be free from dust or dirtentering.

As defined in claim 4 of the present invention, the data processingapparatus according to claim 1 may be modified in that the detectingswitch is arranged for energizing and de-energizing a display providedon the cover unit.

This allows the display to be automatically energized and de-energizedin response to the opening and closing of the cover unit.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will bemore apparent from the following detailed description when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a detecting mechanism regionof a data processing apparatus showing an example of the prior art;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the detecting mechanismregion of the data processing apparatus of the prior art;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a detecting mechanism regionof a data processing apparatus showing one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the detecting mechanismregion of the data processing apparatus of the embodiment; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an overall arrangement of the dataprocessing apparatus of the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A description will now be given, with reference to the drawings, ofembodiments of the present invention.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detailreferring to the relevant drawings.

Illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5 is a data processing apparatus 20according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is anenlarged perspective view showing substantially a detecting mechanism 29in the data processing apparatus 20 (with a cover member 27 removed).FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross sectional view showing substantially thedetecting mechanism 29 in the data processing apparatus 20. FIG. 5 is aperspective view showing an external appearance of the data processingapparatus 20. Throughout the drawings, a cover unit 23 is in its openedstate.

As is apparent from FIG. 5, the data processing apparatus 20 of theembodiment is of a known lap-top type. The data processing apparatus 20consists mainly of a main body 22 and the cover unit 23.

The main unit 22 includes a cursor operator 24, a keyboard 26, a set ofcircuit boards not shown (a CPU and other controllers), interfaces, andpower sources. The cover unit 23 includes a liquid crystal display 28 orany other display.

In the portable mode, the cover unit 23 is closed in a direction denotedby the arrow B1 in FIG. 5 so that it overlaps the main body 22 forimprovement of the portability. When the data processing apparatus 20 isin use, its cover unit 23 is opened to such a position in a directiondenoted by the arrow B2 in FIG. 5 so that the liquid crystal display 28is favorably viewed.

The main body 22 and the cover unit 23 in the embodiment are joined atboth ends to each other by a pair of hinges 25. This allows the coverunit 23 to rotate about the hinges 25 in both directions denoted by thearrows B1 and B2 in relation to the main body 22.

Also, the data processing apparatus 20 of the embodiment has thedetecting mechanism 29 arranged for energy saving of the battery andimprovement of the operability. The detecting mechanism 29 automaticallydisconnects the liquid crystal display 28 from its power supply when thecover unit 23 is closed over the main body 22 in the portable mode (notin use). When the cover unit 23 is opened to use the data processingapparatus 20, the detecting mechanism 29 automatically energizes theliquid crystal display 28.

The arrangement of the detecting mechanism 29 will now be explained inmore detail referring to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The detecting mechanism 29 consists mainly of a detecting switch 30, acam 33, and a lever 35. The detecting switch 30 is switched on and offby the action of its switching knob 31 and mounted on a circuit board 39provided in the main body 22.

The circuit board 39 has a control circuit provided thereon forenergizing and de-energizing the liquid crystal display 28. As thedetecting switch 30 is mounted directly on the circuit board 39, itsresponse can be increased. Also, the detecting switch 30 needs no extrawiring arrangement for connection with the circuit board 39. The circuitboard 39 of the embodiment is located far away from the front side (theupper end in the drawing) of the main body 22.

The cam 33 is arranged integral with one end (along a direction denotedby the arrow X1 in FIG. 3) of a pivot shaft 32. The cam 33 is coaxialwith the axis of pivotal movement of the pivot shaft 32. Also, the cam33 is shaped where its maximum lifting stroke is smaller than the radiusof the pivot shaft 32. More specifically, the cam 33 remains radiallyinward of the outer edge of the pivot shaft 32 when viewed from one sideas best shown in FIG. 4.

The pivot shaft 32 with the cam 33 is arranged for pivotal movementtogether with the cover unit 23. This allows the cam 33 to turn when thecover unit 23 is moved about the pivot shaft 32. Accordingly, as thecover unit 23 is turned in the direction denoted by the arrow B1 in FIG.5 for the closing movement, the cam 33 presses downwardly (in adirection denoted by the arrow Z1 in FIG. 4) with its actuating portion34, where the lifting stroke becomes maximum, against the uppermost end36 of the lever 35.

The lever 35 is made of a sheet spring material which is fixedly joinedat one end (along a direction denoted by the arrow X2 in FIG. 3) to themain body 22. This allows the lever 35 to be supported in cantileverrelationship.

The lever 35 is arranged of substantially a Z shape including an uppertab portion 36 and a lower tab portion 37. The upper tab portion 36 canbe directly engaged with the actuating portion 34 of the cam 33. Thelower tab portion 37 remains engaged with the switching knob 31 of thedetecting switch 30.

When its upper tab portion 36 is depressed by the actuating portion 34of the cam 33, the lever 35 elastically deforms in the direction denotedby the arrow Z1 in FIG. 4 and its lower tab portion 37 thus presses downthe switching knob 31. More specifically, when the cover unit 23 isclosed, the cam 33 actuates the detecting switch 30 via the lever 35. Inresponse, the detecting switch 30 generates a signal output which thusindicates the closing movement of the cover unit 23.

The detecting mechanism 29 of the embodiment has the cam 33 mountedcoaxially to the end (along the X1 direction) of the pivot shaft 32 foractuating the detecting switch 30. Particularly, the cam 33 is shaped toremain inwardly of the outer radial edge of the pivot shaft 32 whenviewed from one side.

This requires no use of the opening provided in the main body 22 and theactuating member mounted on the inner wall of the cover unit 23 whichare essential in the prior art. In other words, the cam 33 never movesout from the cross section of the pivot shaft 32 thus permitting thecover member 27 to shield the pivot shaft 32.

More specifically, the cover member 27 has a U shaped portion 38 thereofshown in the cross section of FIG. 4 for accommodating the cam 33. Thisallows the main body 22 to be protected from dust or dirt and the dataprocessing apparatus 20 to be improved in the appearance.

Also, the detecting switch 30 in the embodiment is actuated by theaction of the lever 35 but not directly by the cam 33. As a result, thecam 33 and the detecting switch 30 can be spaced apart from each other.More specifically, both the cam 33 and the detecting switch 30 can beplaced with a higher degree of freedom.

Because the data processing apparatus 20 is minimized in thickness andsize, the cam 33 and the detecting switch 30 may need to be placedseparate from each other. According to the embodiment, the cam 33 andthe detecting switch 30 can be placed with a higher degree of freedom,thus contributing to the reduction in the thickness and size of the dataprocessing apparatus 20. In case that the cam 33 and the detectingswitch 30 are to be placed close to each other, the lever member 35 maybe eliminated.

As explained, the cover member 27 is used for protecting the cam 33 inthe embodiment. It is desirable that the cover member 27 be locatedclose to the cover unit 23 over the main body 22.

The cover member 27 has the U shaped portion 38 provided for protectingthe actuating portion 34 of the cam 33. This can successfully reduce thenumber of components and thus the overall cost of production as comparedwith the prior art where the cam 33 (in the detecting mechanism 29) isprotected with another extra member in addition the cover member 27.Also, as the cam 33 (in the detecting mechanism 29) is securelyprotected with the U shaped portion 38, it can be highly dust-proof.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment that is describedin the form of a laptop personal computer but may be applicable to anytype of the data processing apparatus having a cover unit arrangedopenable in relation to a main body thereof (e.g. a portable DVD playeror navigation system).

As set forth above, the present invention offers the followingadvantages.

According to claim 1 of the present invention, the detecting switch canbe actuated by the action of the cam provided at the axial end of thepivot shaft. This eliminates any need of an opening provided in the mainbody or an actuating portion provided on the inner wall of the coverunit, thus inhibiting dust or dirt from entering the main body andimproving the appearance of the data processing apparatus.

According to claim 2 of the preset invention, the detecting switch canbe placed with a higher degree of freedom.

According to claim 3 of the present invention, the number of componentsand the overall cost of production can be decreased significantly ascompared with the prior art arrangement where the detecting mechanism isprotected with an extra member. Also, as the detecting mechanism issecurely protected, it can be free from fouling with dust or dirt.

According to claim 4 of the present invention, the display can beenergized and de-energized dependably by the opening and closing actionof the cover unit.

1-4. (canceled)
 5. A data processing apparatus comprising: a main bodyhaving a device for data processing mounted therein; a cover unitpivotally mounted to the main body for opening and closing in relationto the main body; and a detecting mechanism for detecting the openingand closing of the cover unit, wherein the detecting mechanism includes,a pivot shaft formed as a part of the cover unit, a cam integrallyformed on and coaxially rotating together with the pivot shaft that canrotate together with the cover unit, a detecting switch mounted to themain body and directly or indirectly actuated by the action of the camas the cover unit opens and closes, thereby detecting the opening andclosing of the cover unit.
 6. The data processing apparatus according toclaim 5, wherein a lever is provided between the cam and the detectingswitch for transmitting a displacement of the cam to the detectingswitch.
 7. The data processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein acover member is provided on the main body for covering the detectingmechanism as well as internal components of the main body.
 8. The dataprocessing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the detecting switchfunctions for energizing and de-energizing a display provided on thecover unit.
 9. The data processing apparatus according to claim 8,wherein the cover unit includes the display.
 10. The data processingapparatus according to claim 5, wherein the cover unit includes adisplay.